Almost as soon as I got home last night I fell asleep. This morning I woke up bright and early and decided to make myself a cup of coffee and sit on the back porch. Its summer and I haven’t felt this way during summer in a while. Usually, I would be at work or sitting in my room, scared of being assaulted. Not anymore. A huge smile makes its way on to my face as I breathe in the fresh air, realizing, I’m finally at peace. A couple hours pass and Daniel makes his way outside. “Hey beautiful. What are you doing out here?” He kisses me softly, sitting in the chair next to me. “Just admiring everything, thinking. How’s your sleep?” I smile. “Okay. I slept good, and you?” He asks. “Never slept better” I place my mug on the floor next to my chair. “You’re in a great mood” He smiles at me, successfully turning my insides to goo. “I am” I nod, confirm his statement. “I’m happy to hear that” He holds his arms out. I get up and sit in his lap, his arms going around me and rocking me
I wake up to an empty bed. Where’s Daniel? I slowly get up, wrapping a robe around my body. I brush my teeth and complete my usual morning routine. ‘Hey Babe, sorry about the early leave. I had to run out quickly but I’ll be home soon. I love you -Mason’ I smile at the note, slipping some socks on and making my way downstairs to feed Porsha. She runs down the stairs, right after me and jumps at my feet, seeing the bowl. The house is eerily quiet, not a sound besides Porsha eating. Its very rare the house is completely empty at 9:00 in the morning. I shrug, preparing myself a large cup of coffee and sitting down on the couch, grabbing my book. “Kisses?” I hear the door open. “In the family room” I call, taking a sip of my coffee. A couple minutes later he comes in, kissing the top of my head. He sits next to me, picking me up and placing me on his lap. “What are you reading?” Daniel mumbles into my hair. “That book I started. One of Us Lying” I show him the cover. “How
The date was amazing. It was beautiful but nothing extravagant. Exactly what I needed. Daniel dropped me home last night after and I slept terrible. Nightmare after nightmare it was time to wake up for work. I drag myself out of bed, changing into my uniform and grabbing my keys. I blast the music, keeping me from falling asleep. “Oh God” I sigh, pulling up to my job. At five in the morning, there are people waiting outside for me to open. It’s gonna be a long day. I quickly get everything set up and start taking peoples orders. Its just me for an hour until a girl comes strolling in. “Sorry I’m late, there was an accident” She rushes, apologizing. “Its okay” I smile, knowing she’s being sincere. “I’m going to get everything ready, do you mind taking the orders?” I ask. “Of course not. You’re here for Sydney right? Kisses” She asks. “Yeah, just for the next couple of days” I nod, cleaning the appliances and taking the food out, putting it in the window. “Okay” She smiles, ta
~Daniels P.O.V~ I woke up, made Kisses some breakfast and drove her to work, telling her, I’ll call later. I speed off to Brooks house, finding his driveway empty, regarding his car. A nauseous feeling courses through my body. There’s always a car in the driveway, if not more. I jump out of the car, knocking on the door. Brooks opens the door, his eyes bloodshot and droopy, his hair is sticking in many directions and his clothes are wrinkled and stained. “Dude, what’s going on?” I stutter, taking in his appearance. “Man, I’m a mess” He ushers me in, closing the door behind me. “What happened? Does Kylie know?” I sit on the couch. “Yeah, yeah. She knows. I’m having some family stuff” He rubs his eyes, almost hoping that will give him some energy. “Like what?” I question, not wanting to pry. “My moms not doing well. She’s been admitted to the hospital. The doctors think her cancer is back” He says. My heart drops. Ms. Price, my second mother is sick again. “What?” I gasp. “
~Skip a week~ “Hey Kiss. Do you have any plans this week? Like later today?” Daniel says, flopping onto my couch. “Nope, just work and such. Why do you ask?” I take the lollipop out of my mouth. “Okay, you’re coming with me on vacation” He smiles. “And, don’t resist” He continues, causing me to roll my eyes. “Wow, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve gotten out of town. How much do I owe you?” I say grabbing my wallet. “Nothing. Please, you have more than enough to worry about” He says, hugging me. “Daniel-“ I say as he kisses me, shutting me up. “Lets go pack” He grabs my hand and we go into my room. “Daniel Green, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Cody says, sitting in my hanging chair. “Hey man, we are just packing. I’m taking Kisses away with my family” Daniel smiles, shaking his hand. “Cool, where to?” Cody asks, curious. “Yeah, where are we going?” I say, searching through my closet. “That, my love is a surprise” He kisses my cheek, picking up a tight, short shirt and pla
“Kiss, get up” Daniel says, shaking me awake. “Dan” I whine, clinging to his sheets. “Are you guys up?” Kylie asks knocking on the door. “I’m trying” Daniel says tugging at my waist. Kylie laughs, “Help him” She turns to Brooks. Soon Brooks gently removes my hands from the comforter and Daniel quickly picks me up, placing me on the floor. “Change into these” Kylie says handing me clothes. I drag myself into the bathroom, changing into a white tank top with some really soft cute patterned shorts. I throw on my sandals and put my hair into a ponytail, making it look messy. My makeup is natural and soon I’m done. I’m thankful for the adorable, but extremely comfortable outfit. Who wants to travel in tight, restricting clothes? I sluggishly walk out of the bathroom, grabbing my bag and heading downstairs where everyone else is. “Aw. You look cute Kiss” Kylie says, eating a strawberry. “Thanks” I smile sitting in the last chair on the island. “Someone looks tired. What kept you
“Shh, Kiss. I know. He’s an idiot” Kylie says, enveloping me in a hug. “Guys are idiots Kisses. They really are. Daniel fucked up really bad and is paying for it. He doesn’t know how to deal with this situation. He handled it really badly” Brooks says, a knock sounding at the door. “Kisses, let me in please” A raspy voice sounds at the door. “Let me at him” Kylie says, helping me up to sit on her bed. “You little fucking asshole. What were you thinking? She did absolutely nothing wrong and you know that. You f?cked this up. Choosing Katherine, over Kisses? Definitely your most stupid decision you have made. Stay away from Kisses until she is ready to talk to you. And you better stay away from Katherine” I try to listen to Kylie’s lecture. Brooks sits next to me, rubbing my back in a friendly manner. Nothing more, and Kylie knows that. “Listen Kiss, I’ll talk to him. I will. But I think you should talk to him about all of this tomorrow” Brooks says and I nod. “I-I know I should.
~Kisses P.O.V~ I know Daniel is looking. I can’t help it. All my pain and hurt just starts flooding out all at once. “Kisses” Kylie coos, hugging me. “I’m okay, just emotional” I pull away. “I brought tissues just in case” Kylie hands me a couple. I wipe my eyes carelessly. “Brooks is trying to talk some sense into him. He was really stupid” Kylie offers me a sympathetic smile. “No, a warning just would have been nice. There’s obviously still feelings present on both ends. I don’t want to be the other one. I’m left in the dark on this. I wish he could just tell me what all of this is about” I sigh. “He will. I’m not sure when but he will” Kylie assures me, tears forming in her eyes. “He wants to talk to you” Kylie says after a little bit. “I just need a minute” I say, putting my head in my hands, the uncontrollable sobs starting again. Kylie runs her hand up and down my back in a comforting manner. “Okay, I’m ready” I wipe my eyes with a tissue. “I’ll send him out. Text me
The much awaited day had finally arrived. Kisses Jackson would officially become Kisses Jackson Green and Daniel would finally marry the love of his life. All of the last minute preparations were being carried out diligently. The wedding was to be the event of the year. The groom, the biggest corporate honcho in all of North Carolina and the bride, a well established doctor and socialite. All the big names in both the industries had arrived from all over the world to witness their union. Back in his hotel suite, Daniel was fidgeting with his cufflinks in anticipation and nervousness. Today was the day the love of his life would become his, truly. ****************** Kisses Pov When the veil was finally placed over my face, the back of it pinned to my hair with a crystal hair pin I let out a breathe I had been holding in for quite some time. Kylie was yelling at the wedding planner to make minute changes over the phone to the decorations while the poor woman who was overlooking thing
After 4 years Kisses POV Finally, I have already finished college and have my own degree as a veterinarian. I am so happy that, despite the circumstances in life, I was still able to make my dream come true. My entire journey in college is not easy. It is like I’m on a roller coaster ride. Being far from my relatives and especially Daniel, is like I’ve been surviving. Daniel visits and sleeps in my condo once a week if he doesn’t have practice football. Despite all the hardships I have encountered, I am still thankful that there are people willing to extend their hand for help. Tomorrow is the day I have been waiting for. I am excited about having my diploma. I need to have beauty rest for tomorrow’s special event in my life. I wake up with a smile on my face. I feel mixed emotions: happy and sad. I am happy that my relatives and friends will be present on my special day. Sad because my parents will not be there. But still, I need to have happy vibes for my day. I quickly get a show
~Daniel’s P.O.V~ Kisses leaves for school in a couple of days and to say I’m devastated would be an understatement. She hasn’t left my house unless it was for work or with me. I want to do something special for her today. I’m going to invite everyone over as a last little party to end the summer and get her a couple of things. I just finished my workout, Kisses is still passed out in bed. I get a couple of things together in the kitchen and prepare a small breakfast for her. She hasn’t been sleeping great. I’ve tried to talk to her about it but she just denies it. I know that she’s been having her night terrors. I think it’s stress-induced. I cut up some fruit and made a little platter, mixing some pancake batter together. I drop a couple of chocolate chips in them and let them cook. Once the food is all done I brew a cup of coffee and bring the food upstairs. Much to my surprise, Kisses is rubbing her eyes, the comforter covering her body. “Good morning, baby” I kiss her foreh
Last night was eventful if you know what I mean. Daniel has been a bit out of hand lately because I’m leaving for school soon. Speaking of school, I still haven’t packed yet. I don’t want to pack yet. I’m excited about school but not the location. It’s so far from Daniel. I grab my phone, checking the time to see that I have to get ready for work. I’m only working half a shift today, maybe then I’ll have time to pack. I slowly get out of bed, careful not to wake Daniel up. I ruffle through my bag, wanting to put some pants on. “Mm, I can’t wait to wake up to this every morning one day” A raspy voice comes from behind me. “Oh shush” I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s actually been a sort of dream I’ve had since I was little. My wife and I cooking breakfast in the morning. Me in a pair of sweatpants, you in my oversized t-shirt with a cute messy bun and no makeup” He smiles, his eyes tired. “Go back to bed” I shake my head, walking into his bathroom to change and get ready. When I
Today was the worst. Daniel had practice all day and I had to work all day. We were both so busy and I can’t even see him tonight. My phone sounds telling me I have a new text. Daniel: Baby Me: Daniel. Hey, what’s up? Daniel: I love you so f?cking much Me: I love you too hun. Is everything okay? Daniel: Nope Me: What’s going on? Daniel: Gotta go. Kisses I stare at my phone, confusion covering my face. I quickly dial Daniel’s number. It goes straight to voicemail. “Cody, I’m going to Daniel” I grab my keys, water, wallet, and phone charger and rush out the door. On my way I call Kylie, her voicemail greeting me. I get even more worried. Kylie always answers everyone right away. I hesitate to go faster than the speed limit, images of what happened last time flash through my brain. I ignore them, seeing the huge hill that leads to Daniel’s house. Soon enough I pull up to the house, rushing out to see a single car in the driveway. The house is silent except for the silent h
I wake up with a sharp pain in my lower abdomen. Great. Daniel’s not in the bed, he must be downstairs. I get out of bed, trying to ignore the shooting pain. Surprisingly there’s not a stain. Thank God. “F?ck” I mumble, dragging myself into the bathroom, ransacking the medicine cabinet. “Kisses? What are you doing? Are you okay?” Kylie asks, seeing my pained expression. I shake my head. “Can I borrow a pad and some Midol or something?” I lean against the sink. It’s never been this bad. “Yeah, sure” Kylie nods, running to grab the stuff. “I don’t have any Midol, I have Advil though” She holds the pad out to me. “No, that’s fine. Thank you” I take it from her and quickly change only to see there’s nothing to change. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Kylie asks from the other side of the door. “What’s wrong?” Daniel’s panicked voice asks. “I’m-“ I start before a horrible feeling overcomes me. Soon, I’m doubled over the toilet. “Oh my gosh,” Daniel rushes over to me, holding my h
I woke up to Daniel’s cold fingertips running up and down my bare thighs. I turn over, smiling up at his peaceful looking face. “Good morning babe” He kisses my forehead. “Good morning Mr. Green” I giggle as his fingers tickle my sides. He smiles before checking his watch. “I need to go to practice and then see Ms. Price. Kylie said she’s not doing great. I’ll come back over tonight when I’m done” He grabs his clothes and slips them on before tossing a baseball hat on his head and going into the bathroom. Yesterday was awful. My mom wants my forgiveness but I don’t know what to do. She seems better, but I can’t trust them. My father is a lost cause. He’s just as bad sober, as he was drunk. I’m reminded of the awful night terror I probably woke the whole house up with last night. When he comes back out he sits on the bed next to me, caressing my cheek. His shirt fits like a glove, showing every muscle and feature of his that I adore. I have to stop myself from drooling over him.
~Daniel’s P.O.V~ Words are spewing out of Kisses mother’s mouth faster than a volcano erupts. I’m watching Kisses, knowing her walls are slowly breaking and her heart is racing. I wrap my arm around her waist, whispering in her ear, ‘Deep breaths’ She nods, leaning into my chest. “Daniel, sweetie, thank you for protecting my daughter. I don’t know what I would do without you” She turns her attention over to me. I nod, withholding from the long line of profanities I wish to let out. “I know you don’t like me, and that’s understandable. But I hope you both will forgive me” She continues. Neither of us answer and she presses the issue. I can feel Kisses slipping away. Each word her mother says, more and more pressure is being put on me to hold her up. She physically is struggling to be present in the conversation, I can only imagine how she is feeling mentally. “Mom, please” She whispers, her grip on my arm tightening. “Kisses, you need to forgive me. You’re my only daughter. You’
Today was such a stressful day at work. The business has been increasing and there has been hardly anyone working with me. Most of the day I’m alone or have one co-worker with me. “Hey, Sydney can I talk to you?” I knock on her door. “Yeah, of course. What’s up?” She motions for me to sit. “I’m sorry, and I know it’s not my place but it’s getting very busy” My voice gets low. I can’t afford to be fired but it can’t go on like this. “I know. I’m sorry, I have three people in for tomorrow and I’ll take you off. Take the day tomorrow, please. I’ll pay you your normal and send you the check in the mail. Don’t worry about it. I’ve been trying to get dependable people on but no one’s showing up. I did increase your pay for the last two weeks because of how hard you’ve been working” She gives me a sincere smile. “Oh, no. I can come in tomorrow, it’s not a problem. Thank you. So much” I nod. “No, please take the day off. You need it. You look exhausted. Now go, watch a movie or hang out